Research Economist - Postdoctoral

IFS; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 76,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

IFS is Europe’s leading centre for microeconomic research and is an authoritative, independent commentator on a wide range of policy issues, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and the wider public.

Successful candidates are expected to build on their research agenda at IFS, lead projects aimed at publishing in top economics journals, raise funding, and influence policymaking through direct engagement with policymakers and the media.

Qualifications

• PhD in economics or expect to complete by 2027.
• Track record of high-quality economic research.
• Experience engaging with policymakers or media is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead empirical research projects within IFS.
• Publish in top economics journals and secure funding.
• Mentor and develop junior researchers; possibly formal line management.
• Influence policymaking through direct engagement with policymakers and media.

Skills

Communication skills

Policy impact

Mentorship

Line management

Education

PhD in Economics

Job description

IFS is Europe’s leading centre for microeconomic research and is an authoritative, independent commentator on a wide range of policy issues, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and the wider public.

The Director is Helen Miller, and the Research Director is Imran Rasul. Research at IFS is led by a large number of Co-Directors including James Banks, Richard Blundell, Aureo de Paula, Eric French, Francois Gerard, Rachel Griffith, Attila Lindner, and Fabien Postel-Vinay.

Candidates should have an excellent academic background, a track-record of producing high-quality economic research and experience of and/or commitment to working on the UK context. First rate communication skills and a capacity and willingness to manage and develop junior colleagues are essential. Experience of achieving policy impact through research or of successfully bidding for external funding would be an additional asset. We are particularly interested in candidates working on the topics of public finance/tax, welfare and labour markets.

Successful candidates are expected to build on their research agenda at IFS, lead projects aimed at publishing in top economics journals, raise funding, and influence policymaking through direct engagement with policymakers and the media. In addition, they will be expected to engage in mentorship and development of more junior researchers, often including formal line management responsibilities, contribute to the wider intellectual life and running of the institute. They will work within a team of researchers whose direction of research fits with the researcher’s expertise and interests. This will likely include a mix of senior academics and IFS research staff.

These are permanent positions with a remit to help shape, carry out, and communicate empirical research. The IFS promotes from within, and successful candidates would have scope for promotion and to develop a long-term career at IFS. Applicants would join at the top of the pay-scale for IFS Research Economists with the expectation of quick promotion to the position of Senior Research Economist (subject to performance), for which the salary range is currently 75,687.30 to 93,671.30. There will be considerable scope for successful candidates to shape future research ideas and to work on new initiatives to communicate our work and shape policy debates.

We welcome applications from individuals who have completed their PhD or students expecting to complete a PhD in 2027.

We aim to interview shortlisted candidates at the European Job Market, which will be held virtually in December 14-17, 2026. Subsequent fly-outs will be arranged in January 2027 for short-listed candidates.

If you have any queries, please email [e-mail].

Additional Information

*Salary: The salary information advertised reflects 2026 rates; these will be uplifted from April 2027 in line with inflation and cost-of-living adjustments, meaning the actual salary on appointment will be higher than the figure shown.